September is Baby Safety Month and we’ve teamed up with the family adventure brand, LittleLife, to give us the lowdown on how to keep toddlers safe when playing outdoors.
Parenting on Female First
Prevention is the best medicine!
A daily dose of fresh air works wonders for our wellbeing, not least for lively young minds! The great outdoors is an excellent energy-expeller for eager explorers, but it can present its own set of risks. Accidents and injuries happen, but many are preventable just by observing a few safety precautions. Here’s our seven top tips to make sure you and your little ones adventure in safety.
ALWAYS BE PREPARED
The number one golden rule is to always be prepared, because you never know when the weather may shift, or your child might take a tumble, or splash in muddy puddles! So, it’s always handy to have a basic first aid kit to hand, and a pack-away waterproof. Having a towel in the car to dry-off damp feet and, for particularly muddy days, a car seat kick mat protector is really useful to keep the muck at bay!
STAY CLOSE AND BE SEEN
In all the excitement, children can sometimes rush ahead, forgetting to keep an eye on their grown-up. Help them understand the importance of staying close by you and to pay attention of their surroundings. You can make it fun by looking out for landmarks together along the way. And, if they should become lost, teach them to stay calm, stay put, and send a loud signal for help if they can. Give them an ID bracelet to wear with your contact number just in case and wearing something that stands out like a hi-vis toddler backpack or vest so they can be spotted easily.
BUG THEM ABOUT LOCAL WILDLIFE
Children are, by nature, curious. So be mindful of the surrounding flora and fauna and help them to understand what plants are safe to touch, and which ones can sting or scratch. Try, sticking to cleared paths to limit children’s exposure to problem plants and bugs. Opt to wear long sleeve tops and trousers to protect against scratchy shrubs and grasses.
NATURE’S NOT ON THE MENU
It seems obvious, but teaching your child not to drink from untreated water and not to munch on wild berries is vital! Always ensure your child knows to never put anything in their mouth, no matter how tempting or ‘safe’ it appears to be.
PREPARE ACCORDING TO THE SEASONS
Weather conditions have a big impact on how we enjoy nature. Too hot, your child is at risk of sun damage and heatstroke, too cold, and there is a risk of frostbite and hyperthermia so always check the forecast before you head out. It’s also never too early to help children understand why it’s important to dress and pack according to conditions, after all, taking basic precautions means extended outdoor fun! So, whether it’s applying sunblock, carrying water bottles, using a beach shelter to protect them from the heat, or wearing waterproofs and wellies, and taking a baby carrier raincover on an autumnal hike, the seasons can be enjoyed whatever the weather!
STOPPING SLIPS AND SNEEZES
Autumn and spring can trigger allergy symptoms so be sure you and your child know what these triggers are and take appropriate medication with you. It’s also handy to give the rest of your party a heads-up too and let them know where the medication is in case it’s needed urgently.
Snow days are great fun for all the family and being spontaneous is key to making the most of the fluffy stuff. However, remind your little ones to take extra care when they’re playing in the snow and ice. Make it a game to see who can ‘walk like a penguin’ because the small deliberate steps are fun but also reduce risks of falls too.
REINING IN THE CITY
The hustle and bustle of the city can be just as thrilling for children but can be nerve wracking for parents! Investing in child safety reins is a great idea for such an occasion, even better, a toddler backpack with built-in reins. Children love ‘wearing’ their favourite character, and the freedom to roam ‘hands-free’, while parents feel reassured that they’ve still got hold of their little one. Look for backpacks with a handy grab handle and waist belt for added comfort and safety.
Many of the items mentioned in the guide above are part of the LittleLife portfolio and can be found easily online at www.littlelife.com. Happy exploring!